| Hanshi/ Judan Sokuichi Gibu
Promotion 2006 |
Karate Hanshi 10th dan to Gibu-san: Contributes to karate growth and succession.
In December of 2005, Sokuichi Gibu, kaicho Okinawa Karate-Do Shorin-Ryu Butokukan, received confirmation that he was being promoted to 10th dan/ judan by the Zen Niihon Karate-Do Renmei for his contribution to Okinawan traditional karate development. The award commendation was handed to Mr. Gibu by the director Mr. Kanazawa at Mr. Gibu’s dojo on January 12. Hanshi-10dan is given to the ones that have been selected by the league depending on their years of experience and acheivements, and also they must have been holding Hanshi-9th dan for at least 10 years.
“This commendation is beyond my standing.” Said Mr. Gibu “I assume, my volunteer activities on the Okinawa crime prevention association and exhibitions in Naha helped to set a high evaluation on this commendation. I will continue to train very hard and try to expand Okinawa Karate-do at home and abroad.”
Mr. Gibu started karate at age 14 and opened his dojo in 1979. he has over 800 deshi(pupils) all over including the U.S. and Argentina.
-Okinawa Times newspaper, January 26, 2006